Monday, October 11, 2010

Day 30

Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Union City, Tennessee. Just another 101 mile ride, but the worst day of the trip, as William and Dana crashed and Dana fractured her elbow. William was all cut up and a concussion was suspected, but he checked out OK and should be riding again tomorrow - though he's going to be very sore. Sadly, Dana has to stop, and she and Britt will be heading home to the bay area. We're all very depressed, as Dana and Britt were the heart and soul of the group. Dana with her easy smile and dogged determination and Britt, who just took absolutely everything in stride. While Britt's rendition of King of the Road will definitely not be missed, he and Dana most definitely will be.

And then there were four. This leaves just myself, Jeff, Joseph and Bill as the only ones who have managed to stay on their bikes throughout the trip to date - though we still have 10 long riding days to go and, as today proves, anything can happen.

Though the day was hard to enjoy because of the accident, it was a great ride. Brian and Diana left before dawn while the rest of us were still eating breakfast, but the rest of us managed to get on the road a half hour or so later and we all rode out of town together. Jeff, Joseph, Bill and I pulled ahead after a while, and Joseph streaked ahead to do a 20 minute time trial as part of his training for a race next month. It was flat all day, and we got off our bikes to cross the mighty Mississippi in early afternoon. We offloaded in Kentucky, then after 7 miles or so rode into Tennessee. Dinner was a bittersweet affair, as we all got used to the idea that we were losing two of our favorites. Lest we forget, Dana and Britt rode 2400 miles across the country, and would most definitely have finished their trek if not for the pile up.

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